Any tips or tricks for lower intake gasket?

[surf]

My lower intake gasket finally started leaking coolant and the quote from both an independent shop and the dealership were high ($775-$825) so I figured I would consider doing the job myself. I plan to use the Haynes manual for guidance but I wanted to see if anyone else that had done this job had any tips or tricks to make the job easier/faster. Also, is there anything else I should address while I have the top of the engine torn apart? Thanks in advance.

 

[wood1]

Did you check and see if your lower intake bolts are to the proper torque spec? When I bought my ex they certainly weren't. They are known to loosen with time causing mostly oil consumption issues.

 

[surf]

I will check that before I go into the project too far but based on the sizE and location of the leak I am pretty sure it is a bad gasket.

 

[wood1]

Yeah, could well be. I did also have a bit of a coolant leak that would run down the front of the motor, couldn't really see where it was coming from, the tightening and a can of Barr's fixed it up. I do have to check my coolant level and it still requires a top-up every month and a half or so, so I know I am probably burning a bit. With 300+K on the motor, I won't be cracking it open for manifold gaskets unless I have to... could be a cracked head for all I know...

 

[Tony H]

18 ft lbs for the proper torque.

Yoiu do not have to remove the fuel lines and injectors, you can unbolt the entire lower section while leaving the Upper Plenum attached, lift and rock the whole assembly off to the Drivers side fender.
It's a pain because the Harnesses give you no flexibility. you have to disconnect a lot.
The valve covers have to come off too. The intake gasket is part of the valve cover gasket system.. weird.
RTV on the mating of the Head to the Block also a bit of RTV on the thin section by the Temp Sensor... That's probbaly is where the leak is.

 

[wood1]

Where is it leaking and how bad is it?

 

[surf]

It is leaking from the front so bad that after driving it a puddle of coolant will form on the ground and the upper radiator hose will not be pressurized. I was adding coolant about once a week before it finally let go.

 

[wood1]

Hm, I would still check the bolts, but it does sound worse than mine was. I think there was a very small puddle under the front of my engine after driving it.